CAVAMEDIUM SIGNALOPERATIONAL10-K

CAVA achieved strong operational expansion with 72 new restaurants (+20%) and significant revenue growth (+22%), but net income plummeted 51% despite improving operations.

The company demonstrates robust expansion momentum with restaurant count growing from 367 to 439 locations while expanding into 3 additional states, indicating successful market penetration. However, the sharp decline in net income from $130.3M to $63.7M raises concerns about profitability sustainability during this growth phase, particularly given the substantial increase in capital expenditures to fund expansion.

Comparing 2026-02-25 vs 2025-02-26View on EDGAR →
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

CAVA shows mixed financial performance with strong top-line growth (revenue up 22% to $1.2B) and operational improvements (gross profit up 84%, operating income up 28%), but profitability took a significant hit with net income falling 51% to $63.7M. The company is investing heavily in expansion with capex increasing 47% to $158.7M while burning through cash reserves (down 23% to $282.9M), and taking on additional liabilities (up 22% to $580.4M). This profile suggests a growth company prioritizing market expansion over near-term profitability, which presents both opportunity and execution risk for investors.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT CHANGES
Share Buybacks
Cash Flow
+241.2%
$911K$3.1M

Share repurchases increased 241.2% — management returning capital, signals confidence in intrinsic value.

Gross Profit
P&L
+84.1%
$98.0M$180.3M

Gross profit expanding — improving pricing power or product mix shift toward higher-margin offerings.

Net Income
P&L
-51.1%
$130.3M$63.7M

Net income declined 51.1% — review whether driven by operations, interest costs, or non-recurring items.

Capital Expenditure
Cash Flow
+46.8%
$108.1M$158.7M

Capital expenditure jumped 46.8% — major investment cycle underway; assess returns on deployment.

Accounts Receivable
Balance Sheet
+31.8%
$4.8M$6.3M

Receivables surged 31.8% — revenue recognized but not yet collected; watch for collection issues or channel stuffing.

Operating Income
P&L
+28.2%
$43.1M$55.3M

Operating income improving — cost discipline or growing revenue base absorbing fixed costs.

Cash & Equivalents
Balance Sheet
-22.7%
$366.1M$282.9M

Cash decreased 22.7% — monitor burn rate and upcoming capital needs.

Current Liabilities
Balance Sheet
+22.6%
$132.6M$162.7M

Current liabilities rose 22.6% — increased short-term obligations, watch current ratio.

Revenue
P&L
+22.4%
$963.7M$1.2B

Revenue growing 22.4% — solid top-line momentum, watch margins for quality of growth.

Total Liabilities
Balance Sheet
+22.4%
$474.1M$580.4M

Liabilities increased 22.4% — monitor debt-to-equity ratio and interest coverage.

LANGUAGE CHANGES
NEW — 2026-02-25
PRIOR — 2025-02-26
ADDED
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 44 Item 7A.
See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2025 and 2024; Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue; Adjusted Net Income is defined as net income adjusted to exclude the net benefit associated with the release of a valuation allowance in fiscal 2024 against deferred tax assets ( VA Release ).
As of December 28, 2025, we operate 439 fast-casual CAVA Restaurants in 28 states and Washington, D.C.
We centrally produce our dips, spreads, and certain dressing bases for use in our restaurants while also selling our dips, spreads, and prepared dressings in grocery stores.
Our guests can choose a chef-curated meal or a build-your-own-bowl or pita using our 38 ingredients with over 17.4 billion combinations.
+7 more — sign up free →
REMOVED
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 45 Item 7A.
See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2024 and 2023; Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue; Adjusted Net Income is defined as net income adjusted to exclude the net benefit associated with the release of a valuation allowance previously recorded against deferred tax assets.
As of December 29, 2024, we operate 367 fast-casual CAVA Restaurants in 25 states and Washington, D.C.
Our dips, spreads, and dressings are centrally produced and sold in grocery stores.
We have designed our menu to offer vibrant flavors using fresh, high-quality ingredients inspired by our Mediterranean roots.
+7 more — sign up free →
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